I recently took my first trip to New Orleans, Louisiana in search for some of NOLA's best places to eat and drink. I arrived just the week before Mardi Gras and got to experience the parades, and of course, the great city. Truthfully, my trip was very short so I was determined to explore. Here is the list of my top five places to eat and drink on your next trip to NOLA!

1. SoBou: A Spirited Restaurant South of Bourbon Located in south of Bourbon Street in the French quarters, SoBou is a spirited restaurant serving up unique and inspired flavors and cocktails. Named the "Best New Restaurant in 2012" by Esquire Magazine, SoBou is New Orleans' modern saloon or tavern with crave-worthy dishes and drinks. The menu is curated by chef Juan Carlos Gonzalez and is a combination of authentic New Orleans street food with influences of his Spanish upbringing. And while you're grabbing a bite, you must try one (or more) of SoBou's incredible cocktails.

2. Red Fish GrillIf you're in the mood for amazing seafood, Red Fish Grill is the spot. The award winning restaurant in the French Quarters has an array of fresh seafood options on its menu including a raw oyster bar, shellfish, finfish, as well as classic creole seafood dishes. Two of their signature dishes are the BBQ Oysters, and the Wood Grilled Redfish and Louisiana Crawfish Tails.

3. Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits I nearly lost my mind when I showed up to Bacchanal. It is the ultimate food, drink, and music venue in the Ninth Ward neighborhood. When you first walk in, there is a wine and spirits shop. As you proceed through the shop, you enter into another outdoor bar. Just around the corner from the outdoor bar is an open outdoor seating area with live music. Upstairs, there is another bar and balcony area. You order all your food at the bar and your order is brought to you by the wait staff. I recommend starting out with some wine, a cheese board, olives, bacon wrapped dates, and several other small plates to share.

4. Effervescence Champagne Bar Effervescence is one of NOLA's newest restaurant on the historic Rampart Street. Chefs Brenna Sanders and Evan Ingram designed a small plates menu to pair with champagne. Several sparkling and still wines are available on their and range in price. Wines can be sold by the glass, half glass, and prosecco is on tap. The inspired menu includes items such as pommes frites, caviar with creme fraiche and potato chips, and grilled octopus. The restaurant opens in the afternoons on most days and stays open until midnight or later.

LOCATION1036 N. Rampart Street New Orleans, LA 70116(504) 509-7644

5. Elizabeth's Bacon just got better!! The praline (pecan and sugar mixture) coated bacon is just a starter on the comforting menu, and a great way to whet the appetite IMO! The homey and neighborhood spot serves up classic dishes such as Italian sausage with red gravy, fried chicken livers with pepper jelly, and fried green tomatoes with remoulade sauce. If you're looking for NOLA's creole and southern classics with an elevated and modern spin, Elizabeth's is a great option.